Birmingham man pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of child as trial begins
A jury had already been seated when 35-year-old Robert Lee Ford Jr. pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Phil Williams announced Tuesday.
Ethan Parker 
A Birmingham man has pleaded guilty to charges involving the production of child sexual abuse material just as his federal trial was set to get underway. Robert Lee Ford Jr., 35, entered the plea to two counts of sexual exploitation of children after a jury had already been seated for the proceedings, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Phil Williams announced on Tuesday.
The Investigation
According to federal documents, the case began on Jan. 24, 2025, when Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Children’s of Alabama hospital following reports of an assault. The mother of a 14-year-old girl identified Ford as the individual responsible for the assault.
Following a joint investigation with the FBI, authorities executed a search warrant at Ford’s apartment, leading to his initial arrest on state charges of second-degree sodomy and second-degree rape. Federal investigators subsequently searched Ford’s online accounts, discovering videos confirming that Ford had produced child sexual abuse material involving the minor victim throughout December 2024 and January 2025.
Holding Offenders Accountable
While Ford awaits trial on his pending state charges, the details of his federal sentencing have not yet been finalized. As reported by 205focus.com, officials remain firm in their commitment to justice for the victim.
“Children deserve to be protected from those who seek to exploit and abuse them,” U.S. Attorney Williams stated. “By pleading guilty, the defendant has admitted responsibility for his crimes and will now be held accountable for the harm he caused the victim.”
Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Kochanowski echoed those sentiments, noting that the agency is dedicated to pursuing those who target minors. “The exploitation of a child is a heinous crime,” Kochanowski said. “Those who prey on children should know this: the FBI will use every available resource to identify you, find you, and hold you accountable.”
